Sara Ihmel, Co-Site Director / Co-Lead Kinderstart Teacher
Sara is joining the Faithful Shepherd Discovery Center Team after teaching at the Trinity Falls’ Discovery Center location in Minneapolis.
More information Coming Soon!
Ava Patnode, Lead Kinderstart Teacher
Ava has her degree in Elementary Education K-6/ Early Childhood Birth-Grade 3 and Preprimary Ages 3-PreK from Bethel University in St Paul. Ava has experience teaching Kindergarten, Pre-K, older elementary, as well as infants and toddlers.
Ava’s favorite part of teaching is seeing the growth and development of students; being rewarded with their gain of confidence, developing social skills and growing creativity.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never eave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
Heidi Delesha, Co-Director & Kinderstart Teacher
Heidi has been a part of the Faithful Shepherd Discovery Center team since 2021. She has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from South Central College in Mankato, MN. Her experiences include teaching older toddlers for 10 years, then after taking time off to raise her family, she joined the team at Faithful Shepherd. Heidi’s favorite part of teaching is watching each child grow into the best version of themselves throughout the year. “I love on the hardest days, they know just how to make you smile!”
Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Harriet Tubman
Hannah Rausch, Lead Discovery Teacher
Hannah Rausch is a graduate from University of MN-Duluth and has a degree in Early Childhood Education and Hispanic Studies. Her favorite part of teaching is working with preschoolers, watching them grow in development and succeed in new skills.
“Every child is a different kind of flower and all together make this world a beautiful garden”
August Barkmeier, EAP Manager/After School Lead Teacher
August attended the University of Minnesota, Morris to study English. He loves connecting with children and has been doing so since he started with LADC in 2022.
“When life throws you a rainy day, play in the puddles.”